What is Minky Fabric?

Minky fabric is a popular material used in baby blankets, plushies, stuffed toys, and more. It is a kind of plush fabric made of 100% polyester, with varying pile heights and thickness, mimicking a soft mink fur. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything we need to know about the fabric, how it’s used, and the most frequently asked questions about it.

What is Minky Fabric?

Minky fabric is a super soft version of fleece fabric that has a velvety surface. It mimics the texture of mink fur and is made from 100% polyester fibers. The fabric is also known as microfiber and comes in a wide variety of colors, designs, and textures.

The origins of minky fabric are unclear but, stories include the material being named after the inventors childhood blanket, which was named minkey. Or, the fabric might be called such because it mimics the fur of mink animals, which are mammals in the weasel family that are native to North America. Mink fur is highly valued all over the world for its luxurious fur, and this could be one of the reasons why minky fabric is called such, as the material is characterized as having a luxurious silky feel.

Minky fabric was originally used on baby blankets, bibs, booties, soft toys, and seat covers but, it’s now being used in adult blankets, and even in clothing. It is warm, lightweight, and easy to clean.

Characteristics of Mink Fabric

1.Super Soft

The material of minky fabric mimics real fur. It is incredibly soft and fluffy, making it the perfect material for blankets, especially in cooler climates where cuddling up in a warm blanket is favorable.

The feel of mink fabric is luxurious and silky, which makes it ideal for a baby’s sensitive skin.

Construction of mink fabrics also takes the form of being knitted. Knitted fabrics have a stretch and give to them, adding softness and comfort to the material.

2.Warm

Because the fiber used in mink fabric is polyester, it is not breathable, which means it’s warm. Wearing clothing made of mink fabric will make you sweat, making the material perfect for cooler temperatures.

3.Hypoallergenic and Vegan

Being made of polyester fiber means the material is hypoallergenic and vegan. For those looking for fabrics that are not made from animal fur but having similar features, this fabric is a great alternative. 

It’s also hypoallergenic, which is perfect for babies who are prone to allergies and rashes when exposed to animal fur and other materials made from plants and other animal produce.

4.Low Maintenance

Fur materials are notoriously hard to clean. But not with minky fabric. Cleaning involves throwing the fabric in the washing machine. Just use the right laundry soap, the right cycle, and at the right temperature. It can also be thrown into the dryer but, turn off the heat feature so it doesn’t damage the fibers, which are polyester, and in other words, made of plastic.

Hang them dry or dry them under direct sunlight.

5.Versatile

Minky fabric is highly versatile because it is made of polyester fibers. Because the fibers are man-made, they can be produced in a wide variety of colors, textures, and designs. There are short pile cuddle minky fabrics, there are faux fur details, and there are also long pile minky fabrics. 

Different pile lengths can be made, from short pile lengths that mimick short velour, to velvety textures, to longer swirls that mimic a fur coat.

Common Uses of Minky Fabric

Minky fabric is a type of cuddly, synthetic blanket-like textile commonly used to make blankets, pajamas, toys, and other apparel. Its ultra-soft features make it soft to the touch and incredibly comfortable for all skin types. Unlike traditional fleece blankets, minky is double sided; the plush side is textured velvet while the underside is often cotton or polyester. As a result of its unique construction, minky fabric can be used in place of comforters or duvets and may last longer since both sides of the fabric have been treated. All in all, its combination of both tactile and warmth makes it an enticing choice for use in various quilting projects as well as clothing items such as baby booties and comfort wear.

• Baby Blankets

Minky fabric was originally made to use on baby blankets. The super-soft, comfortable, and silky fur texture that’s hypoallergenic makes it the perfect material to use on baby blankets.

• Plush Toys

The super-soft and hypoallergenic material of minky fabric is perfect for baby plush toys.

• Clothing

Minky fabric with short pile lengths can be used on both baby and adult clothing. They can be made into jackets, cardigans, pants, and overalls, which are ideal for clothing in cooler climates as they provide warmth and lock in heat.

• Quilt Backing

Some quilters use minky fabric for quilt backing due to their thickness and plush feature. Though it must be noted that minky fabric is not the easiest material to sew.

Advantages of Using Minky Fabric – Softness and Durability

Minky fabric is well-known for its smooth, soft textures and long-lasting quality which makes it an ideal material for a wide range of uses. It offers tremendous comfort when incorporated into garments such as baby blankets or throws while their plushness allows them to easier hold onto their shape after multiple cycles through the washer and dryer. Also, due to the fact that the polyester fibers don’t shrink or break easily, these clothing items made out of minky fabrics last at optimal levels for longer periods of time. In addition, unlike other fabrics where fading of colors may become noticeably visible after multiple cycles through the wash machine, minky has been observed to retain its vibrant color even after many washing cycles. All in all, minky fabric is a great choice when it comes to investing in clothing items that can provide both durability and softness combined with style.

Tips on Caring for Your Minky Fabric to Keep It Looking Great

Caring for Minky fabric is relatively easy, but there are some important things to keep in mind. For general upkeep and maintenance, avoid overloading your washing machine with minky items; instead, opt for a cold-water wash with a gentle cycle. Using a mild detergent such as baby detergent can help ensure that the fibers remain soft and plush over time. When drying, try to air dry your minky fabrics on low or no heat. Additionally, try not to use too many fabric softeners and starch as these can cause a build-up of residues that can harm the fibers over time. Finally, ironing minky fabric should be done on low heat and preferably with a cloth barrier between the iron and the fabric – this helps prevent scorching and surface damage. By following these simple tips, your minky fabric will stay looking great!

Creative Ways to Incorporate Minky Fabric in Your Home Decor

Minky fabric is a cozy, plush material that can liven up any home decor. It’s great for snuggling up on the couch or as a blanket for extra comfy nights of sleep. But why limit it to just apparel? There are a lot of creative ways to add minky fabric into different aspects of your home decor. If you’re feeling crafty, the fabric can be used to make custom throw pillows, bedding accessories and curtains. For an extra luxurious look, minky fabric can also be upholstered onto furniture such as bar stools and ottomans or used as wall paneling in nurseries and bedrooms. With its soft texture and array of vivid colors, incorporating minky fabric into your home decor is sure to become a unique staple in any room!

Frequently Asked Questions about Minky Fabric

• Will minky fabric shrink?

Minky fabric is made of 100% polyester fibers, which means it won’t shrink. 

• Will minky fabric fray?

If you cut minky fabric, it won’t fray because it’s made of polyester fibers. It is also made of knitted construction, which prevents fraying.

• Can minky fabric be ironed?

Since minky fabric is made of polyester, which is a chemical substance, the material can be considered as plastic. Plastic and heat do not go hand in hand. Do not iron your minky fabric as it can melt. The same goes for dryers with high heat features. Exposure to heat can deform and melt minky fabric, rendering them useless. Some polyester fabrics can be ironed however, it depends on their percentage of polyester, as well as, many other considerations. Read our guide on can you iron polyester to learn more.

• Is minky fabric and the same as fleece fabric?

Minky fabric is not the same as fleece fabric. Though both are made of polyester fibers, minky fabric is much softer and fluffier, while fleece fabrics have a very small pile length. Minky fabric is also one-sided, which means the silky fur is only found on one side, while fleece fabric has plush on both sides.

• Is minky fabric easy to dye or print-on?

Polyester fibers cannot be dyed with natural dyes. A special kind of dye for polyester must be used to dye minky fabric. The material is also not ideal for being printed on because the pile is not flat or smooth. Think of minky fabric as fur, which is impossible to print on unless they are forced flat on the surface.

Summary

Minky fabric is also known as microfiber fabric and is made of 100% polyester fibers. They are super soft, having a luxurious and silky feel to the material, and traps in heat, proving warmth to the wearer or user.

Though originally used for baby items, such as blankets and plush toys, bibs, and booties, minky fabric has risen to popularity over the past decades and is now being used in adult blankets, and even clothing for cooler climates.

Minky fabric does not do well with heat since it’s made of polyester, which is technically plastic. Do not iron or dry in a dryer at high heat since it can melt or deform.